Penalise tech giants over smartphones

AS a computer technician with some 18 years experience of servicing computers and computer networks in schools, businesses, and homes, I would like to state the following.

There are no adequate built-in controls or software available to the users of smartphones, computers (with the possible exception of some Linux platforms) and social media platforms. Some of the so-called software to allegedly make phones and computers safer are actually themselves spyware.

People who say that the parents must improve their technology skills in an effort to cope don’t have a clue of the scale and complexity of the problem.

In Ireland if you want to shoot a crow you have to write to the minister for permission, stating the reason why you want to shoot the crow, what location the crow is at and they may or may not grant it. We legislate to protect crows but when it comes to protecting our children we won’t, why?

Simple answer: the Irish and European governments are influenced to such an extent by the big social media and technology giants they are prepared to sacrifice our children rather than do what they should be doing.

The only solution to the horrific problem is to force these providers to update their devices and software with the built-in controls that we need to control them.

They also must be held responsible for what they do and they must be controlled by legislation, enforced by huge penalties. Nothing else will work.

JOHN TWOMEY, Co. Kerry